Solar panels 'still popular with households'

The solar power industry has suffered a number of setbacks over the last few months, including the early phasing out of Solar Credits and various states lowering the rebates on feed-in tariff schemes.

Federal energy minister Martin Ferguson announced the Solar Credits decision last week, claiming it was made to reduce family power bills.

He noted that it would lead to savings of around $300 million in 2013.

But Matt Levey, head of campaigns for consumer advocacy group Choice, has argued incentives still exist to attract households to take the plunge and invest in solar systems.

Talking to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), he said that despite the recent winding back of some schemes, solar PV will still receive credits under the Renewable Energy Target.

"When you consider these subsidies, along with state-based feed-in tariffs, the decreasing price of installations and rising electricity bills, then PV systems will remain an attractive option for many households," he explained.

However, according to Mr Levey, for a real environmental impact to be felt - solar power needs to go large scale.

He also encouraged people to be more energy efficient, advising homeowners to pursue measures such as installing insulation and blocking draughts.